09. September 2025

This past summer I stayed close to home, in Belgium, and took the opportunity to revisit old favorites. Chateau of Freÿr holds a special place in my heart. I’ve been here many times —but the spell never breaks. Perched gracefully along the River Meuse, Freÿr is a captivating marriage of symbolism, geometry, history, and playfulness. At first glance, its formal layout whispers of classical French style, but look closer and you’ll find a deeply personal, almost meditative intimacy that...

12. August 2025

Summer at home is a rare treat for me—a chance to revisit favourite gardens in my own backyard. Recently, I found myself heading south, down a winding hour-and-a-half drive, to one of my all-time favourites: the Water Gardens of Annevoie. It had been a while since my last visit, and I was especially curious to see what had become of the ambitious restoration project that had just begun when I was last there. At the time, the new owners had only just taken possession, and the place was buzzing...

08. July 2025

When planning garden tours to Portugal, there’s a place I nearly always include in our itinerary. It’s not the biggest name on the list, but it’s one of the most memorable. Tucked away in the sun-warmed hills of Azeitão, the Palácio da Bacalhôa is a treasure trove of history, horticulture, and a touch of the unexpected—including a poignant American connection. So why do I love bringing guests here? Let me tell you.

10. June 2025

Every so often, I sit down to reflect on what I do—and why I do it. Organizing garden tours is, yes, about logistics and planning (spreadsheets and timetables, anyone?), but at heart, it’s about creating meaningful, memorable experiences. And nothing brings that home more than hearing from the travellers themselves. Recently, I asked two simple questions in a post-tour survey: - What inspired you to travel with me? - And what stayed with you most after the trip?

04. April 2025

Kate is the heart and soul of her garden club’s Visiting Gardens committee. It’s an incredibly active club—one that does it all. From hosting flower arranging workshops for both kids and seniors to spearheading local beautification projects and diving deep into conservation efforts, this group is passionate about making a difference. Their day trips to visit nearby gardens are always a hit, and even their multi-day domestic excursion to the Brandywine Valley was a roaring success. But...

11. March 2025

Some gardens are beautiful. Others are grand, meticulously designed, and expertly maintained. But a garden with a soul? That is something else entirely. A garden with a soul is not just a place—it is an experience. It lingers in your memory, stirs something deep within, and moves you in a way that an ordinary garden or a walk in the woods cannot. But what exactly gives a garden its soul? And why should you seek one out?

11. February 2025

To escape the winter grey of Northern Europe, a few days in Menton is a tonic for both body and soul. The sunlight, the mild temperatures, the proximity to Italy with its effortless art de vivre – all conspire to make a visit here restorative and memorable.

10. January 2025

There’s something magical about a garden tour: the quiet anticipation as you approach a hidden gate, the heady perfume of old roses, and the thrill of meeting a passionate gardener eager to share their masterpiece. These moments are the essence of why I do what I do – crafting bespoke journeys into the world of gardens, where every day is a treasure trove of beauty and inspiration. But the question arises: should a garden tour focus solely on gardens, or is there merit in branching out?

09. December 2024

In the northern Cotswolds, just a stone’s throw apart, lie two extraordinary gardens: Kiftsgate Court and Hidcote Manor Garden. Both are must-sees for any garden enthusiast exploring the region. While they share proximity and 20th-century origins—Hidcote dating back to 1907 and Kiftsgate to 1920—their distinct styles and stories offer a rich contrast that makes visiting both an unforgettable experience.

12. November 2024

While my garden tours focus primarily on the experience of visiting private gardens with the owners and head gardeners, sometimes there are famous historic gardens that are must-sees. No garden tour of the region would be complete without visiting them. I am weary of historic gardens. Sometimes, I find, their soul has been lost. Careful maintenance cannot mask the fact that the proportions are off because the trees, the hedges or the shrubs have grown too tall for the space. Or, on the...